The riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2020, and the deep partisan divide since then over what happened on that chaotic day and who should be held responsible, added to deep concerns about the future of American democracy.
After decades of service in the U.S. military, retired Brigadier General Steven Anderson decided to speak out about the threat of future insurrections and the possibility that a coup might succeed next time. “There is a significant threat being posed to our nation and our democracy,” he says.
While some of those arrested and charged in the attack were veterans or even active members of the military, General Anderson says America’s armed forces can play a constructive role in the future. In this episode of “Let’s Find Common Ground,” he says the Pentagon should order a civics review for all members—uniformed and civilian—on the U.S. Constitution and electoral integrity. We also discuss how the military can foster diversity and common ground.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on March 2, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. Secretary Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine held the news conference to give an update on Operation Epic Fury. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)